apa
/ˈapa/
The English word "what" is translated into Indonesian as apa.
The word apa is used to ask about things or objects, rather than people. It is strictly for objects or concepts. For people, one would use siapa.
Meaning: what? (interrogative pronoun) (pron)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase apa yang is commonly used to mean 'what' when it functions as the subject or object of a relative clause, such as 'what you are doing'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈapa/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use apa when asking about people. Instead, use siapa.
Did you know?
- The phrase apa kabar is the standard way to say 'How are you', literally translating to 'what news'.
- While apa asks 'what', repeating the word as apa-apa changes the meaning to 'anything' or 'something' in negative sentences.
- The word apa is inherited from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *apa, linking Indonesian to languages spoken across the vast Pacific islands.
Examples in context
- Batu apa sih ini?What kind of stone is this?This sentence uses apa to ask about the type of stone.Tatoeba #3928767 by orion17, translation #55856 by CK
- Apa yang kau buat?What did you make?This sentence uses apa to ask about an action performed.Tatoeba #3864808 by orion17, translation #24693 by CK
- Jadi ibu, ada apa?Now mother, what’s the matter?This sentence uses apa to ask about a situation or matter.Tatoeba #3893167 by Bilmanda, translation #1172184 by Scott
- Apa yang sedang terjadi di sini?What is happening here?
- Mohon jelaskan apa yang dimaksud dengan 'pengembangan berkelanjutan'.Please explain what is meant by 'sustainable development.'
- Apa yang bisa saya bantu dalam situasi ini?What can I assist you with in this situation?
- Apa yang kamu lakukan tadi malam?What were you doing last night?
- Saya suka filmnya. Apanya yang menurutmu paling menarik?I like the movie. Which part do you find most interesting?
- Hai, apa kabar?Hi, what's up?
- 684 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Adi and Maya are talking about a gift.
- AdiMaya, ini apa?Maya, what is this?
- MayaItu hadiah untukmu, Adi.That is a gift for you, Adi.
- AdiWah, apa isinya?Wow, what is inside?
- MayaBuka saja dulu!Just open it first!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “what” translations and entries apa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries apa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
